Nottingham man builds community through dog photo project

In Nottingham, Michiel Holemans launched a lighthearted community project involving his roommate’s rescue dog, Aggie. Inspired by a similar initiative from New York, Holemans printed around 20 A4 posters across the city showing Aggie and invited passersby to take selfies with the poster and email them to him. The idea quickly gained traction, as he received nearly 140 responses within a week. The unexpected flood of photos delighted him, offering a refreshing online experience compared to traditional social media use and making him feel connected to strangers across the city. Holemans said the project aimed to foster a sense of community and lighten moods in an urban environment that can often feel isolating. To keep the project environmentally friendly, the posters were affixed with a flour-and-water paste instead of glue. Aggie’s owner, Elena Meadows, said she had no idea what Holemans planned when he asked for a silly photo of the dog, but now finds it heartwarming to see her pet become famous abroad. Beyond the humor, Holemans found meaning in participants’ messages, including one from someone struggling with anxiety who said the poster made their day better. The experience has motivated him to design new creative projects that uplift strangers and connect communities through simple, joyful acts.